by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The St. Joseph Police Department is looking to the federal government to help pay for an additional officer. The City Council approved on Feb. 18 Chief Dwight Pfannenstein’s proposal to apply for a Cops Hiring Program grant from a $400 million fund. CHP grants provide funding to hire or re-hire entry-level law enforcement officers in order
Public meeting to explore Sartell Watershed strategies
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com People living in Sartell and the Sartell Watershed area are encouraged to attend a public input meeting from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Sartell Community Center. The name of the meeting, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy. The Sartell Watershed, which is part of the
Four new welcome signs approved
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Four new Sartell roadway welcome signs will be installed early this spring – three of them on roundabouts – as long as approval is granted where applicable by Benton and/or Stearns counties where city roads connect to county roads. The City Council, at its Jan. 13 meeting, voted unanimously for the signs, including the fourth sign
News for immigrants/refugees: New location for ESL classes
Tani waa kuu muhiim adiga. Fadlan aqri. Ogeysiis! Importante para Usted, por favor léalo. Please read! Announcements brought to you by Cultural Bridges of St. Joseph, a committee of Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization. We are dedicated to ease your transition into our community. ••• The new location for ESL classes is the St. Joseph Community Center, at 124 First Ave. SE. This
College of St. Benedict president Hinton to step down
College of St. Benedict President Mary Dana Hinton will step down at the end of the academic year to become president of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, on Aug. 1. Hinton started as St. Ben’s 15th president in July 2014. In a statement, the college cited Hinton’s commitment to making St. Ben’s a more welcoming community for all people. Her
Council sees revised arena expansion plan
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A newly revised plan for expansion of the Bernick’s Arena was presented to the Sartell City Council at its last meeting. The presenter was Chad Ritter, president of the Sartell Youth Recreation Center, also known as the Bernick’s Arena. Ritter said that after many listening sessions in recent months with the Sartell City Council members, the
Budget surplus, worker shortage, health, child care on legislators’ agenda
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com What to do with the state budget surplus as well as decisions on a worker shortage, lack of affordable child care and urgent health needs await St. Joseph area legislators when they return to the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 11. How to manage the state’s expected $1.3-billion surplus will be on the agenda and Sen. Jeff
Sartell leaders aim for careful growth
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum says most residents will be satisfied if the number on the city’s population signs don’t need to be changed for two years. That sentiment sums up city leaders’ strategy for development and growth. They are looking for careful, consistent growth. Recent state data predicts that Sartell’s population will grow from about 18,000